Open your mind and study British, European politics, electoral issues, democracy, globalization and global institutions, development and human rights, International and regional politics, peace and conflict, political economy, security studies and strategic studies.

Social Studies covers a number of disciplines, from Social Policy and Community Research to Youth Studies. What each of these will have in common however is them is a focus on way that the interaction between different groups of people shapes our lives. Often concerned with social improvement, conducting research under the banner of Social Studies often appeals to people with a strong interest in improving the lives of their fellow man. A background in social sciences, especially Sociology, is always an advantage as many of the empirical techniques that are used to conduct further research will be included in this subject.

Politics focuses on the way in which ideological and practical systems have been implemented, throughout history and into the present day, to deal with such fundamental areas as freedom, democracy and the successful organisation of society. If you find yourself always trying to find out more detail behind the day's current affairs or news stories then a degree in politics may be for you. If you are also interested in impacting on the lives of others, this could be the discipline to explore, as it provides a strong grounding for future work in local, national or even international politics.

Sociology is the academic analysis of the way in which society and human interaction shapes our world, our identities and our beliefs. An enquiring mind is essential for all applicants, as the breadth of the field requires you to be inspired by all forms of human interaction. Sociology has many applications, from further academic research to the production of political and social policy, so there are a number of career paths open to you upon graduation. Most Sociology degrees will be accessed through fieldwork and essay writing, so a strong balance between intellectual curiosity and the practical application of knowledge might suggest that this is the subject for you.

Philosophy asks the fundamental questions about life, adopting a range of perspectives through which to frame these intellectual enquiries on subjects as broad as religion, morality and ethics. Expect to learn about the history and development of the discipline, from classical philosophy to more contemporary thinkers, as well as developing your own ability to formulate, debate and apply opinions in a logical and methodical manner. Many applicants will already have a background in the field from school, but a questioning mind and an aptitude for reading, writing and debating could mean that Philosophy is the subject for you even if you haven't encountered it before.

Anthropology is the study of human behaviour encompassing areas such as biology, cultural studies, health, ethnography, symbolism, sociology, psychology and archaeology. This discipline seeks to understand human behaviour and social structures on a global scale.